The Army Allowing More Hairstyles For Women

The United States Army is now allowing female enlisted soldiers to wear their hair in ponytails in all uniforms. This is a change from the previous hairstyle of a requirement to keep their hair in a tight bun. There are exceptions to this in terms of length, especially during tactical or physical training, however, women can keep their hair either a bun, single ponytail, two braids, or a single braid; locks, braids, twists or cornrows can come together in one or two braids or a ponytail; and braids or a ponytail can go as far down as the bottom of the shoulder blades. Women are also now allowed to have highlights in natural colors, lipstick and nail polish allowed in “non-extreme” colors, earrings allowed in combat uniforms, and clear nail polish allowed for men.

The new changes are a long time coming for Black enlisted women. Back in 2014, members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote a letter to the secretary of defense over rules at the time about Black women’s twists and braids, stating; “African American women have often been required to meet unreasonable norms as it relates to acceptable standards of grooming in the workplace.” The Army noted recently that professionalism is important to them and the look of their soldiers, they stated that this “removes potentially offensive language used to describe several hairstyles.” Major Terri Taylor continued on this comment, stating; “ Who’s to say that a ponytail is not professional in appearance? Who’s to say that locks are not professional in appearance? As long as you can properly wear your headgear and look professional in your uniform, I think that’s what matters at the end of the day.”

Source: NPR